This month, a French scientist was barred from entering the United States due to opinions he shared regarding the Trump administration’s academic research policies, as stated by the French government.
Philippe Baptiste, the French minister for higher education and research, called this incident concerning.
“We will remain steadfast in upholding the values of freedom of opinion, free research, and academic freedom,” Mr. Baptiste declared in a statement. “I will advocate for all French researchers to adhere to these principles, in accordance with the law, no matter where they find themselves globally.”
While Mr. Baptiste did not disclose the identity of the scientist who was denied entry, he mentioned that the individual was affiliated with France’s publicly funded National Center for Scientific Research and was en route to a conference near Houston when border officials intervened.
According to Mr. Baptiste, U.S. authorities denied the scientist entry and subsequently deported him because his phone contained messages discussing his “personal opinion” on the Trump administration’s policies regarding science.
It remains unclear what prompted border officials to stop the scientist, the reasons behind searching the contents of his phone, or the aspects of his conversations that were deemed objectionable.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection allows customs officers to inspect the cellphones, computers, cameras, or any electronic devices of travelers at the border, although such situations are reported to be uncommon. In 2024, less than 0.01% of international travelers arriving in the U.S. had their electronic devices searched, according to the agency.
Mr. Baptiste’s office did not provide further details regarding the incident, and the National Center for Scientific Research has yet to respond to requests for comments. An American Embassy spokesperson in Paris declined to provide a statement.
The Agence France-Presse news agency previously reported on the scientist’s denied entry into the United States.
Over the past few weeks, Mr. Baptiste has been vocally addressing the challenges to academic freedom in the United States, particularly as the Trump administration has implemented funding cuts and layoffs affecting higher education institutions, scientific research, and the federal government’s scientific workforce.
He has also encouraged French universities and research institutions to welcome researchers who wish to leave the United States.
“Europe must stand ready to protect research and embrace the talent that will enhance its success,” Mr. Baptiste expressed on social media after meeting with his European counterparts in Warsaw on Wednesday to discuss “threats to free research in the United States.”
Ségolène Le Stradic contributed reporting.
